Location: Sac County, IA | Metro: Carroll County, IA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,702 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,838 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,230 | $243,418 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 51436 in Sac County, Iowa, reveals a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $930 per month for fiscal year 2026, which exceeds the current market rent of $788 based on Census ACS data. This means that voucher tenants will typically cashflow positively at the HUD FMR, providing a reliable source of income for property owners.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $238,558. With the HUD FMR of $930, the rent-to-price ratio can be calculated as approximately 4.7%, indicating that rental properties are relatively affordable compared to home values. This ratio suggests that the rental market is stable and competitive, offering a solid foundation for long-term investments.
In terms of the day-on-market (DOM) and price-cut share, both metrics are currently not available. However, these factors would play a significant role in determining the rent-versus-buy dynamics in the region. If such data were available, it could provide insights into how quickly homes sell and the frequency of price reductions, which would be crucial for assessing the overall health of the housing market.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 51436 is cashflow. Given the positive difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent, landlords can expect consistent and reliable income from voucher tenants, making this an attractive opportunity for those seeking steady returns on their real estate investments.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.